Blis-ta by Sonya Hale Clean Break

Writer and Patron of Clean Break, Lucy Kirkwood introduces Blis-ta by Sonya Hale.

Alongside her work with Clean Break over the years, Lucy was a mentor and friend of Sonya. In this introduction you will hear insight into the development of the play which was intrinsically linked with Sonya's own life.

Lucy wrote "it felt empty when the heart went at first but it is alright now" for Clean Break in 2009, which premiered at the Arcola Theatre. Her other credits include: The Welkin 2020, Mosquitoes 2017, Hansel and Gretel 2012/3, Beauty and the Beast 2010/1 (National Theatre); The Children 2016(Royal Court, Samuel J Friedman Theatre NYC); Chimerica 2103(Almeida); NSFW 2012 (Royal Court); The Small Hours 2011 (Hampstead Theatre); Tinderbox 2008(Bush Theatre).

Kat and Cherry meet on the streets. Kat is wily, funny, and fierce; Cherry is a lost dreamer. Blis-ta is the story of their adventures to survive as homeless girls and the transformative power of friendship.

Written by the late Sonya Hale, who was a Clean Break Member, it is a visceral, bold and startling audio drama about hidden homelessness and the lengths women go to for survival.

A wild celebration of resilience, it will spin you through a mesh of joy, chaos and beauty.

Content warnings: This play contains strong language, and depictions of violence, rape and abuse. If you would like any further information on the content of the play please contact Clean Break at general@cleanbreak.org.uk.

If you enjoyed this free recording of Blis-ta, then please consider becoming a Friend of Clean Break. Find out more via our website: www.cleanbreak.org.uk

Written by Sonya Hale
Directed by Róisín McBrinn
Performed by Ambreen Razia and Ria Zmitrowicz
Composition and Sound Design by Helen Skiera
Produced by Mimi Findlay
Dramaturgy by Gillian Greer

Our thanks to Dominic Bilkey, Suzanne Diakun, Bertie Carvel, Holly Conneely, Jessica Dromgoole, Sarah Fortescue, Abigail Gonda, Sarah Kenny, Jeremy Mortimer, Lucy Morrison, Rufus Norris, the National Theatre and Elisha Sessions.

Supported by Arts Council England, Jerwood Arts, The Bromley Trust, The Orseis Trust and The McGrath Charitable Trust.